How inclusive is disaster risk reduction? Perceptions and predicaments of persons with disabilities during disaster in Assam, India

Bibliographic Data

ID3158570
AuthorsVivien Doll (Independent Researcher Germany), Sumit Vij (0000-0001-5252-797X, Sociology of Development and Change Group, Wageningen University and Research The Netherlands, corresponding author), Joshua Warner (0000-0003-2847-8770, Wageningen University & Research), Jeroen Warner (Sociology of Development and Change Group, Wageningen University and Research The Netherlands)
Year2025
Volume49
Issue4
Pagese12693-e12693
Publication date2025-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDisasters (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0361-3666 • E-ISSN: 1467-7717
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/disa.12693
PMID40616303
OpenAlexW4412055871
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited18

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately affected by disasters. Disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DIDRR) focuses on decreasing the vulnerability of PWDs and enhancing their capacities in disaster, yet little is known about how disability is mainstreamed in disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and practices. Applying Amartya Sen's capability approach, this study investigates if and how PWDs are included in DRR policymaking, implementation, and response activities in Assam, India. Based on policy document analysis and semi-structured interviews, it finds a divide in addressing disability inclusion at different policymaking levels. Furthermore, there is a gap between the existing DRR framework and how (inclusive) DRR is implemented on the ground. Flood management in Assam is not based on institutionalised (DI)DRR measures, but a bottom-up approach based on traditional knowledge. In Assam, PWDs lack resources and conversion factors, absences which are reinforced by missing or inadequate provisions on the part of governmental or non-governmental actors and a fractured DRR policymaking framework

Computer security · Disaster risk reduction · Economic growth · Economics · Environmental planning · Flood myth · Geography · Inclusion (mineral · Social science · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Vulnerability (computing · Climate Change, Adaptation, Migration · Computer Science · Disaster Management and Resilience · Flood Risk Assessment and Management

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